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March 24, 2026
挤(擠)jǐ(ji3)
The character 挤 (jǐ) primarily means to squeeze or press something tightly, often implying a sense of crowding or forcing others aside. It can also refer to the act of finding time for something in a busy schedule, illustrating the idea of making room for priorities. This word is commonly used in both physical contexts, such as squeezing into a crowded space, and metaphorical ones, like managing time effectively.
Strokes9Radical扌Frequency#2607DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of crowding is very relatable in Chinese cities, where public transport can be incredibly packed, making the term 挤 a common part of everyday life. This reflects the larger social dynamics of urban living in China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a can of juice being squeezed (挤) to get the last drops out. The character has the radical 手 (hand) on the left, which suggests action, and the right part sounds like 'ji,' reminding you of the pressing action—like using your hand to squeeze.
Meanings of 挤
jǐ(ji3)
1to crowd in
2to cram in
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
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About 挤
挤Simplified
擠Traditional
9Strokes
扌Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#2607Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2
Podcast: 挤
Podcast: 挤
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AI Study Notes for 挤
Quick Contrast
挤 (jǐ) vs 拥 (yōng) — use 挤 when emphasizing squeezing or crowding, while 拥 conveys the idea of embracing or holding tightly.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is using 挤 in contexts where a gentle approach is needed; for example, saying '挤出时间' (squeeze out time) instead of a softer approach like '安排时间' (arrange time) can sound too aggressive. This word is often used in informal contexts, so be mindful of your audience when using it.
HSK Study Tips
While 挤 is not part of HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other action verbs at the same level. Focus on the nuances of squeezing in both physical and metaphorical contexts to grasp its flexibility in usage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 挤 with 塞 (sāi), which means to stuff or block. For example, saying '我塞出时间' (I stuffed out time) is incorrect; use '挤出时间' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 挤
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How Well Do You Know 挤?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 挤 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
挤 = 扌 + 齐. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 挤
IDS Structure⿰扌齐
挤Full Character
=
扌shou3
left
齐Qi2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 挤?
How to say to crowd in in Chinese
“to crowd in” in Chinese is挤jǐ
The character 挤 (jǐ) primarily means to squeeze or press something tightly, often implying a sense of crowding or forcing others aside. It can also refer to the act of finding time for something in a busy schedule, illustrating the idea of making room for priorities. This word is commonly used in both physical contexts, such as squeezing into a crowded space, and metaphorical ones, like managing time effectively.
When to use 挤
A common mistake is using 挤 in contexts where a gentle approach is needed; for example, saying '挤出时间' (squeeze out time) instead of a softer approach like '安排时间' (arrange time) can sound too aggressive. This word is often used in informal contexts, so be mindful of your audience when using it.
挤 or something close to it
挤 (jǐ) vs 拥 (yōng) — use 挤 when emphasizing squeezing or crowding, while 拥 conveys the idea of embracing or holding tightly.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 挤 with 塞 (sāi), which means to stuff or block. For example, saying '我塞出时间' (I stuffed out time) is incorrect; use '挤出时间' instead.
Write 挤
挤
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Grammar Patterns of 挤
挤 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
